Being married to a high-profile politician isn’t always as glamorous as it looks — and Michelle Obama knows this all too well.
The former first lady recently shared some candid insights into the struggles she faced as Barack Obama’s wife, revealing just how tricky that role could be behind the scenes.
How Michelle and Dr. Sharon Malone Connected Over Political Life
Michelle sat down for a chat with her brother Craig Robinson on their IMO podcast, inviting Dr. Sharon Malone as a guest.
Malone, who’s married to former Attorney General Eric Holder, also understands what it means to be a political spouse.
Michelle remembered how they first met at a Congressional Black Caucus event, back when Barack was still a U.S. senator.
She joked about how the organizers put them together, knowing they were both “reluctant spouses” trying to navigate these overwhelming political dinners.
The Reality Behind the Public Spotlight
Michelle recalled the scene vividly — a long line of people eager to shake hands with their famous husbands.
She described how guests would stretch over them, sometimes spilling drinks, just to get to Barack and Eric.
Making eye contact with Malone during the chaos, Michelle realized they needed to be allies.
“It was that look — like, ‘Here we go again,’” Michelle said.
While her brother Craig cheekily called it “pissed off,” Michelle clarified it was more like sharing a mutual “Can you believe this?” moment.
Saying No to Expectations and Facing Rumors
Michelle has been open about feeling like a “reluctant” political spouse for years.
But earlier this year, she took that honesty a step further when she decided not to attend some high-profile events, like former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
Those decisions sparked plenty of rumors — including whispers about a possible divorce.
Michelle addressed those directly on actress Sophia Bush’s podcast last month, pushing back against the assumptions.
She explained how women often feel pressured to avoid disappointing others, and how her personal choices were misread as signs of trouble in her marriage.
“People just couldn’t believe that I was making decisions for myself,” Michelle said.
Reflecting on Societal Pressures Women Face
Michelle went on to highlight a larger issue, one many women can relate to.
Society expects women to fit certain roles, and when they don’t, they’re often judged harshly.
“We start asking ourselves, ‘Who am I doing this for?’” she said.
When women step outside of those stereotypes, their actions can get unfairly labeled as negative — even when they’re simply setting boundaries and prioritizing themselves.